Landlord rent incomes hit record

Landlords are seeing higher annual rent income as longer tenancies and happy renters continue to underpin the private rented sector.

Research firm Pegasus Insight found that the average annual landlord income has reached a record £89,000.
That’s up £14,000 in a single quarter and £16,000 higher than a year before.

Its latest Landlord Trends research found that income rebounded in Q1 2026 after a brief dip in Q4 2025.

PRS remains strong

The founder and managing director of Pegasus Insight, Mark Long, said: “Much of the debate around the PRS focuses on regulation, taxation and the challenges facing landlords, but these findings are a reminder that the market’s underlying fundamentals remain strong.

“The increase in rental income is significant, but what is perhaps more important is the quality of that income.”

Other research suggests that, while rental income is rising, its quality may matter more, with longer stays, high satisfaction and low moving intent brings income stability.

He added: “While affordability pressures remain a concern and landlords continue to face rising compliance and operating costs, demand for rental housing remains robust.

“These findings suggest that, despite the uncertainty surrounding future regulation, the core relationship between landlords and tenants remains remarkably resilient.”

Landlord income is up

The landlord income figure is now more than one-fifth higher than 12 months ago.

The firm links the rise to strong tenant demand, long tenancy lengths and high occupancy levels.

The findings come alongside its Tenant Trends research, which shows that many renters are staying put.

The average tenant has rented for around eight years and has spent more than five years in their current home.

Tenants are staying longer

The data also shows that two thirds of tenants said they intend to remain in their current home when their tenancy agreement ends.

More than two-thirds described their recent rent experience as positive.

And 76% said they were satisfied with the service provided by their landlord or letting agent.

Alongside the rise in rent income, the average landlord portfolio is now valued at £1.69 million, Pegasus says.